Insects associated with a soursop crop [Annona Muricata L. (1753): Annonaceae] in the San Antonio village, Quibdó municipality, Chocó, Colombia

Abstract

To evaluate the diversity, distribution and functional role of the entomofauna associated with a soursop (Annona Muricata; Annonaceae) crop in the San Antonio village, municipality of Quibdó, 20 samplings were carried out, including manual captures and entomological samplings in different parts of the plant, such as leaves (H), stem (T), fruit (F), flower (Fl) and branches (R). Descriptive analyses were performed for each phenological stage, calculating the total number of species (S), the total number of individuals (N), and the diversity indices. A total of 1,627 insects belonging to five orders, 31 families and 53 genera were collected. The most represented orders were: Hymenoptera (S=17) and Hemiptera (S=14). The predominant genus was Atta with 323 individuals (21.5%). Leaves were the plant part with the highest diversity of genera and individuals. Regarding the phenology of the plant, the highest richness was observed during flowering (S=34), representing 38.6% of the total. The estimated richness indicated that 67% of the entomofauna was recorded, suggesting that the sampling was not completely representative. Finally, insects were classified into five feeding guilds, highlighting the preeminence of phytophagous insects with 34 genera (64.2%) and 1134 individuals (75.4%) in terms of richness and abundance. Of all the genera recorded, 66% are considered pests (phytophagous and polyphagous), while 26.4% were classified as beneficial (predators, pollinators, saprophagous, necrophagous and polyphagous).